As an experienced IELTS instructor, I understand the importance of practicing with authentic-style reading passages. Today, we’ll focus on a topic that has become increasingly relevant in recent years: creating a stress-free home environment. This subject has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and, given its ongoing significance, may well feature in future tests. Let’s dive into a practice exercise that will help you hone your reading skills while exploring this important theme.

Reading Passage

Tranquil living room with plants and natural light

Creating a Sanctuary: The Art of Stress-Free Living at Home

In today’s fast-paced world, the concept of home as a haven has never been more crucial. With the lines between work and personal life increasingly blurred, particularly in the wake of global events that have transformed our living spaces into multifunctional areas, the need for a stress-free home environment has become paramount. This shift has prompted both individuals and experts to explore innovative ways to cultivate tranquility within our domestic spheres.

The foundation of a stress-free home lies in its organization. Clutter, both physical and visual, has been scientifically proven to increase cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. Marie Kondo, the renowned organizing consultant, popularized the idea that our surroundings should “spark joy.” This philosophy encourages individuals to surround themselves only with items that bring happiness and serve a purpose, leading to a more serene living space.

Color psychology plays a significant role in creating a calming atmosphere. Soft, muted tones such as pale blues, greens, and lavenders have been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate. These colors mimic nature, subconsciously connecting us to the outdoors and promoting relaxation. However, personal preference should not be overlooked; what calms one person may energize another, so it’s essential to choose colors that resonate on an individual level.

Incorporating natural elements into the home environment has gained traction as a stress-reduction technique. The concept of “biophilic design” – integrating nature into the built environment – has been linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced stress levels and improved cognitive function. This can be as simple as adding houseplants, which not only purify the air but also provide a sense of nurturing and connection to the natural world.

Lighting plays a crucial role in mood regulation and stress reduction. Natural light has been shown to boost serotonin levels, improving mood and focus. For areas with limited natural light, full-spectrum light bulbs can mimic sunlight’s beneficial effects. In the evening, warm, dimmable lighting can help signal to the body that it’s time to wind down, promoting better sleep patterns – a key factor in stress management.

The arrangement of furniture and the creation of dedicated spaces for different activities can significantly impact stress levels at home. Ergonomic considerations in home office setups can prevent physical stress, while comfortable, well-placed seating in living areas can encourage relaxation and social interaction. Creating a specific area for meditation or quiet reflection can provide a vital retreat for mental decompression.

Technology, while often a source of stress, can also be harnessed to create a more peaceful environment. Smart home systems can automate routine tasks, reducing daily hassles. However, it’s equally important to establish tech-free zones or times to prevent the constant connectivity that can contribute to stress and anxiety.

Soundscaping is an often-overlooked aspect of creating a stress-free home. While silence can be golden, intentional use of sound – whether it’s through nature recordings, calming music, or white noise machines – can mask disruptive noises and create a more serene acoustic environment.

Ultimately, the key to a stress-free home environment lies in personalization and mindfulness. What works for one household may not suit another. Regular reassessment of the home environment, coupled with an awareness of how different elements affect mood and stress levels, allows for continuous refinement of one’s living space.

As our homes continue to evolve to meet the changing demands of modern life, the importance of creating a stress-free environment within them cannot be overstated. By thoughtfully considering elements such as organization, color, nature, light, layout, technology, and sound, individuals can transform their living spaces into true sanctuaries – places of refuge that support mental health, enhance wellbeing, and provide a strong foundation for managing the stresses of the outside world.

Questions

True/False/Not Given

1. Clutter in the home has been scientifically linked to increased stress hormone levels.
2. Marie Kondo suggests keeping all items in your home, regardless of their emotional impact.
3. Pale blue and green are universally calming colors for all individuals.
4. Biophilic design has been shown to improve cognitive function.
5. Natural light is always preferable to artificial lighting for stress reduction.
6. Creating dedicated spaces for different activities can help manage stress levels at home.
7. Smart home systems are guaranteed to reduce stress for all users.

Multiple Choice

8. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a way to create a stress-free home environment?
   A) Using color psychology
   B) Incorporating natural elements
   C) Installing security systems
   D) Managing lighting

9. The concept of “biophilic design” refers to:
   A) Using only biodegradable materials in home construction
   B) Integrating nature into the built environment
   C) Designing homes that look like plants
   D) Creating outdoor living spaces exclusively

10. Which of the following is suggested as a benefit of houseplants?
    A) They increase property value
    B) They purify the air
    C) They reduce electricity costs
    D) They eliminate the need for other decorations

Matching Headings

Match the following headings to the correct paragraphs in the passage. There are more headings than paragraphs, so you will not use all of them.

11. Paragraph 2
12. Paragraph 4
13. Paragraph 7

Headings:
A) The Role of Technology in Home Stress Management
B) The Importance of Decluttering
C) Bringing the Outdoors Inside
D) The Impact of Furniture Arrangement on Stress
E) Color Choices for a Calm Home

Short Answer Questions

Answer the following questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.

14. What type of lighting is recommended to signal that it’s time to relax in the evening?
15. What term is used to describe the intentional use of sound to create a more peaceful environment?
16. According to the passage, what should be the ultimate goal when creating a stress-free home environment?

Answer Key and Explanations

1. True – The passage states: “Clutter, both physical and visual, has been scientifically proven to increase cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress.”

2. False – The passage mentions that Marie Kondo encourages people to keep only items that “spark joy” and serve a purpose.

3. Not Given – While the passage mentions these colors as calming, it also states that personal preference is important and what calms one person may energize another.

4. True – The passage states that biophilic design has been linked to “improved cognitive function.”

5. Not Given – While natural light is praised, the passage also mentions alternatives like full-spectrum light bulbs for areas with limited natural light.

6. True – The passage mentions that “The arrangement of furniture and the creation of dedicated spaces for different activities can significantly impact stress levels at home.”

7. Not Given – While smart home systems are mentioned as potentially reducing daily hassles, the passage doesn’t guarantee stress reduction for all users.

8. C – Installing security systems is not mentioned in the passage as a way to create a stress-free home environment.

9. B – The passage defines biophilic design as “integrating nature into the built environment.”

10. B – The passage states that houseplants “purify the air.”

11. B – This paragraph discusses Marie Kondo’s philosophy of decluttering.

12. C – This paragraph talks about incorporating natural elements into the home, including houseplants.

13. A – This paragraph discusses how technology can be used to create a more peaceful environment.

14. Warm, dimmable lighting

15. Soundscaping

16. Personalization and mindfulness

Common Mistakes and Tips

• Be careful with True/False/Not Given questions. “Not Given” means the information is neither confirmed nor contradicted in the passage.
• For Multiple Choice questions, eliminate obviously wrong answers first to increase your chances of selecting the correct option.
• In Matching Headings exercises, read the entire paragraph carefully before selecting a heading. The main idea might not be in the first sentence.
• For Short Answer questions, pay attention to the word limit and use only words from the passage.

Vocabulary

• Multifunctional (adjective) /ˌmʌltɪˈfʌŋkʃənl/: Having or fulfilling several functions.
• Cortisol (noun) /ˈkɔːtɪsɒl/: A hormone released in response to stress.
• Biophilic (adjective) /ˌbaɪəʊˈfɪlɪk/: Relating to the innate tendency to focus on life and lifelike processes.
• Ergonomic (adjective) /ˌɜːɡəˈnɒmɪk/: Relating to or designed for efficiency and comfort in the working environment.
• Soundscaping (noun) /ˈsaʊndˌskeɪpɪŋ/: The use of sound to create a specific atmosphere or environment.

Grammar Focus

Pay attention to the use of passive voice in academic writing, for example:

• “Clutter… has been scientifically proven to increase cortisol levels.”
• “Natural light has been shown to boost serotonin levels.”

This structure is commonly used to emphasize the action or result rather than the doer of the action.

Tips for IELTS Reading Success

1. Practice active reading: Engage with the text by underlining key points and making mental summaries as you go.

2. Improve your time management: Allocate your time wisely between different question types and passages.

3. Expand your vocabulary: Regularly learn new words and their contextual usage to improve comprehension.

4. Develop skimming and scanning techniques: These skills are crucial for quickly locating specific information in the text.

5. Read widely: Expose yourself to various topics and writing styles to build your reading stamina and adaptability.

Remember, creating a stress-free environment for studying is just as important as creating one at home. Find a quiet, comfortable space to practice your IELTS reading skills regularly. For more tips on managing stress during IELTS preparation, check out our article on how to describe a place you go to escape from stress in IELTS speaking. With consistent practice and the right strategies, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the IELTS Reading test with confidence.